Wednesday, 13 Apr 2011
Businessman reading paper
New To Exporting? Here’s How We Can Help
Are you thinking tentatively about exporting, or keen to do business with international buyers but want to know where to start? UKTI can help you rise to the exciting opportunities and challenges that international trade offers. We can work with you to help you grow your business and offer a number of key services which can be tailored to meet the needs of your company.
This short introduction outlines the help UKTI provides for new exporters and covers the key resources and elements to consider when starting out. You can read more in our section on ten essential elements of export preparation
Advice from your local trade expert
UKTI’s International Trade Teams are located in local offices all over the country. Every UK region has dedicated sector specialists, helping new and established exporters every day. Our local teams can provide support tailored to your company's needs and growth stage. You'll find a list of our regional offices here or use our postcode searcher, labelled as "Contacts in your Region" on our export landing page.
UKTI’s Passport to Export programme
This is focused on increasing capability of new and novice exporters and helping them through the process assisted by export professionals. Passport offers new and inexperienced exporters free capability assessments based on a set of international trade questions, support in visiting markets, tailored action plans, mentoring from a local professional, customised and subsidised training, and ongoing support once you've started to export. Read more on Passport and companies’ experiences of the programme
Exporting for growth: UKTI’s Guide to getting started in exporting
UKTI has produced the Exporting for Growth Guide which is designed to encourage UK companies to consider exporting and tells them what they need to know to get started. The guide is also available in an editable form to other groups involved in supporting exporters
We strongly encourage companies to read this by way of initial preparation for receiving any UKTI service, as it provides a global perspective on the exporting process. The guide is also available in an editable form to other groups involved in supporting exporters
Assessment tools
Strong motivation and a clear understanding of your drivers to export is essential for expanding into international trade. This will provide a firm basis for planning, and make best use of any support you receive under UKTI services. It’s also crucial to assess your potential to export successfully, and your company’s readiness.
The “Exporting for Growth” tool can provide you with more information on increasing your company's export capability and expertise. This could be useful pre preparation for meeting with a UKTI International Trade Adviser. The tool is part of Businesslink’s new Growth and Improvement service . This service has a range of easy-to-use tools online tutorials and video case studies, and signposts to discussion forums, events and support schemes. Access the export area of the Growth and Improvement service here
There’s also further guidance for new exporters on www.businesslink.gov.uk which provides detailed guidance in a number of thematic areas including international trade
Other useful resources:
Institute of Export Training Area
Find out more on the key steps and stages of preparation for export here